A PSL club owner has confirmed offering coaching positions to a former Kaizer Chiefs attacker and a former Mamelodi Sundowns defender for the upcoming season.
Most retired footballers agree that transitioning from playing professionally to coaching or pursuing other careers is no easy feat. However, coaching often remains the natural fit for many ex-players due to their extensive knowledge and experience in football.
It seems like that will be the next step for the former Kaizer Chiefs attacking midfielder Bernard Parker and the former Mamelodi Sundowns right-back Vuyo Mere who are currently in the books of TS Galaxy.
The contracts of two players expire at the end of June, and the club appears unlikely to offer them playing opportunities next season.
Tim Sukazi, the chairman of the club, confirmed that the pair will be directed towards the youth system to aid in the development of young players.
Nevertheless, he highlighted that the choice to retire would ultimately rest with Parker and Mere, underscoring that it would be a matter of their own “personal” discretion.
TS GALAXY DUO TO BE DIRECTED TOWARDS CLUB’S SYSTEM AS COACHES
“Look, they have shown some good things. One, they have shown that they have the ability to be coaches. Two, they want to uplift the youth. And three, their profiles speak for themselves. I think they will make a difference in South African football in coaching,” Sukazi told Soccer Laduma.
“So, as a club, we want to channel them towards our youth system, in DDC coaching. I think we will conclude with them soon on that. We have been talking and they seem quite happy with this proposition.
“It's up to them to decide. If they want to retire or not, that's a personal decision.
But for the club's point of view, where they are, we see them more in this role than the playing role.”
Parker joined the Rockets at the beginning of the 2022/23 season after parting ways with the Phefeni Glamour Boys. He went on to be one of the key players for the Mpumalanga-based side, particularly in the first round of the last season.
However, he suffered a horrific leg injury in October last year during a Carling Knockout Cup match against Sundowns. The break occurred following a tussle for the ball with Bongani Zungu.
After undergoing surgery and rehabilitation for the injury, he made his return to action in April's DStv Premiership match against Masandawana. However, he only saw one minute of playing time in the game.
He has also previously played for Benoni Premier United, Red Star (Serbia), Thanda Royal Zulu, FC Twente and Panserraikos.
Meanwhile, Mere made only one appearance for Galaxy last season, playing in the Nedbank Cup match against D’General FC.
The 40-year-old has been with Galaxy since January 2022 after he left Moroka Swallows. He has also previously played for Hellenic FC (Juniors), Platinum Stars and Bidvest Wits.
